Are you a beauty school student ready to take your career to the next level? Join us for an exclusive webinar to discover how PBA’s Beacon Program can open doors, build lifelong industry connections, and set you up for long-term success.
Beacon is an elite, application-based program that delivers advanced business education and gives top beauty school students the opportunity to connect with—and learn directly from—leading brands, top educators, and the industry’s most influential professionals.
In this free webinar, you’ll:
-Learn how the Beacon Program works—and why it’s a career game-changer
-Get insider advice and application tips from Beacon alumni
-Hear real stories of how the experience changed lives and created career-defining opportunities
-Be the first to learn about new program features for 2026
Applications open October 15th!
Don’t miss your chance to get ahead. Whether you're just starting beauty school or preparing for graduation, tuning in is your first step toward joining a community of future industry leaders. Reserve your spot and get everything you need to confidently apply on day one!
Lauren Baumann
Professional Beauty Association
Lauren Baumann manages the Education and Beacon Program at the Professional Beauty Association, where she leads initiatives to inspire and empower the next generation of beauty industry professionals. With over a decade of experience in marketing and events, Lauren brings a deep passion for education, leadership development, and the transformative power of the beauty industry. Her work focuses on creating meaningful opportunities that support growth, connection, and long-term success for emerging talent.
Jake Sturm
Beacon Alumni- Class of 2023
Jake Sturm attended Beacon in 2023 while studying at Paul Mitchell, where he graduated on the Dean’s List with perfect attendance for his 1600-hour cosmetology program. Now a licensed cosmetologist and barber, Jake is the owner of Salon Blaq in Driggs, Idaho, and has quickly grown into a recognized stylist, makeup artist, texture specialist, brand ambassador, and educator. Within his first year behind the chair, he traveled over 200 days working shows, teaching classes, and styling on professional sets—including fashion shows and national media productions.
Jake’s philosophy is that beauty is inside and out—and as beauty professionals, we have the ability to enhance both. His journey proves that no matter where you are, even in a small town in Idaho, you can achieve whatever you set your heart on as long as you’re willing to work hard and give yourself permission to go for it. He loves sharing his story to inspire the next generation of professionals to dream big, embrace every opportunity, and believe in themselves fully.
Inaya Fulwood
Beacon Alumni- Class of 2025
Inaya is a passionate hairstylist, Aveda Institute Brandon graduate, and Beacon Class of 2025 honoree, dedicated to empowering others through creativity, confidence, and community. Her journey began in her teens, inspired by the transformative power of hair to uplift self-esteem. A defining moment came when she styled her sister’s hair and saw the deep emotional impact of feeling seen and beautiful.
Specializing in protective styling and natural hair care, Inaya is committed to creating inclusive spaces where every client feels valued and celebrated. As she builds her own salon suite, she also creates educational content, mentors aspiring stylists, and promotes diversity in the beauty industry. For Inaya, hair is more than style—it’s self-expression, storytelling, and a path to empowerment.